Times of India app launches virtual assistant service

The virtual assistant enables users to set reminders, recharge their mobile, book flights, do web check-ins, make to-do lists, and much more through the Times of India Android News app.ETCIO | October 27, 2017, 12:01 IST

Times Internet, which already has a 51% market share in user engagement has gone a step further to inform, engage and enable its users by incorporating a virtual personal assistant service in the Times of India App. Powered by Haptik, India’s leading artificial intelligence based personal assistant and chatbot platform, the virtual assistant enables users to set reminders, recharge their mobile, book flights, do web check-ins, make to-do lists, and much more through the Times of India Android News app. Sprite is the exclusive brand partner for this launch integrating the brand very closely with the service.

This first-of-its-kind innovation in a news app also allows users to book cabs (Uber & Ola), make bill payments (DTH and electricity), and pay through the app via credit card, debit card, netbanking and wallets. For the launch period, where users can get 50% cash back on Recharges, Bill Payments, & more via Amazon Pay.

To access the Personal Assistant, users need to tap the hand icon at the top right of the home screen, validate the mobile number and then choose one of the many services that the virtual assistant provides. Users can expect many more features to be enabled on this platform in the coming days.

Commenting on the launch of this new feature in TOI app, Puneet Gupt, COO & Business Head, The Times of India, said, “We are excited with the launch of Virtual Assistant inside the Times of India app. The launch enables us to empower our users with both news-and-information & virtual assistant led productivity within the app that they love."

Aakrit Vaish, Founder & CEO, Haptik, said, "Over the last few years, the Haptik virtual assistant chat platform has grown to millions of users and is one of the highest rated apps in India. Our vision is that the service should be accessible from anywhere people want, and not just be restricted to a single app. Integrating into a news app is a natural fit, and the audience of TOI is exactly the type who will appreciate the service,"

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